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  • Fit, Focused, and Fighting: Supporting the Mission of the 39th Air Base Wing

    The 39th Air Base Wing's mission is to support and protect U.S. and NATO assets and people throughout Turkey while providing a full spectrum of capabilities to the warfighter. I think the mission statement can be a little hard to understand; so, what does it mean? It means every member of team

  • The value of your ABC's

    I'm sure everyone has examples of who they believe are outstanding leaders. For me, it was simple, my grandfather, Reverend Thomas Grant, Sr. He was a preacher at the church in our neighborhood and was affectionately known throughout our community as "Rev." If he were here today, he would not

  • Excellence: Why say no, say yes

    When I took command several months ago, many folks asked what my strategic vision for my squadron was. I simply stated, "Focus on the core values every day." It may sound easy, but it takes a constant effort. Since I was a second lieutenant, I have always been told that we need more money or more

  • Make a difference by donating to CFC-O

    Many of you are familiar with the Winston Churchill quote, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." For our servicemembers and their families that give of themselves in service to our great nation - this couldn't be more true. Every day we serve, we give freedom and

  • Moments of heroism backed up by less dramatic moments

    It was January 24, 2008. Hawg 13 flight, a formation of two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, launched from the safety of Bagram Air Base into the overcast darkness of a crisp winter night in northeast Afghanistan. More than 115 miles to the east, a friendly armored convoy slowly made its way through the

  • Courtesy and cleanliness add to gym success

    In addition to packing clean socks, headphones, shorts and bottled water, Sabers should start bringing some courtesy when they enter the fitness center for their work-outs. Of about 15,000 people tied to the 52nd Fighter Wing, many are not only required, but also eager to exercise to stay in shape.

  • American Airmen ... Happy Birthday

    Today, the U.S. Air Force celebrates its 62nd birthday and its proud heritage of providing unrivaled air, space and cyber capabilities to our Nation. On September 18, 1947, our Air Force became a separate branch of the military, signifying the commitment of the American people to leverage the most

  • Attitude is everything

    This week I have followed a sport I never really paid attention to in the past. I sat and watched tennis during the U.S. Open not because of the sport itself, but because of the story unfolding on the screen. Melanie Oudin, ranked number 70 in the world, was beating opponents she was not supposed to

  • Growing from Failure

    "If everything you do works, you are not trying hard enough." -Unknown We all experience failure in our lives. At one time or another, we run into an obstacle that stymies our intellect or abilities. Every person you meet has experienced some type of setback in their lives; even the most successful

  • Chaplains lead the way to spiritual fitness

    In today's Air Force we are much more in tune with the "Warrior Ethos." The shift from launching sorties and returning to the relative safety of a base located far from the combat zone, to a forward operating base that puts us in the middle of the fight has dramatically increased the number of